Daniel H Cook Assocs. Data Breach: 37k Affected & Social Security Numbers Exposed

Daniel H Cook Associates Inc., a New York-based third-party administrator specializing in employee benefits claims processing, has reported a data breach affecting 36,663 people in the United States.

The incident was discovered on Jan. 16, 2026, and was formally disclosed to the Maine Attorney General’s Office on Jan. 17, 2026.

The breach originated from a network disruption that occurred on Oct. 17, 2025. Daniel H Cook Associates Inc. immediately launched an investigation and engaged cybersecurity experts to assess the situation. A comprehensive review determined that certain files had been accessed or acquired without authorization.

On or about Jan. 12, 2026, the company confirmed that some individuals’ personal information was present in the compromised data.

According to the Maine Attorney General disclosure, the exposed information includes names and Social Security numbers.

Daniel H Cook Associates' response

For those affected, Daniel H Cook Associates is offering 12 months of complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services through Epiq Privacy Solutions ID. These services include single bureau credit monitoring with alerts, Social Security number and dark web monitoring, identity restoration and lost wallet assistance, and a $1 million identity theft insurance policy. Impacted individuals have been notified via written letter sent by USPS First-Class Mail.

The company has also set up a toll-free call center through IDX to answer questions and provide support.

Affected individuals are encouraged to remain vigilant by reviewing account statements and credit reports for suspicious activity. Steps such as placing a fraud alert or security freeze on credit files, obtaining free annual credit reports, and contacting the Federal Trade Commission or law enforcement in the event of suspected identity theft are recommended. The official notice provides detailed instructions and resources for these protective measures.